Reviews

I had my baby at Heartlands Hospital last week via c-section. After reading some of the reviews on here I was very anxious, however I was very pleased with the standard of care, support and help I got during my stay. It is a busy ward but all the staff were friendly and professional and I would definitely go back if I have another baby.

After having my status upped to high risk at 37 weeks after a low risk pregnancy and being booked into Solihull midwifery led birth unit, I was more than anxious about having to give birth at Heartlands on the delivery suite. I had always wanted a natural birth with minimal inventions and felt this was something that could be achieved in a Midwifery led unit but not on a consultant led department- well how very wrong I was and how unbelievably lucky we were to be on delivery suite for the birth of my son. The midwife and consultants were fantastic throughout the birth of my son and followed every request and I experienced a completely natural birth. Unfortunately my son was born with a severe chest infection and taken straight to the neonatal unit. I cannot praise the staff highly enough for the superb care they gave him, nursing him back to health. In the days after the birth I spent time on several of the wards and I cannot recommend this hospital enough. I would compare the care my son and I received to that of a private healthcare establishment- the NHS really does deserve far more praise than it receives, it is a fantastic service, a service that saved my son and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Heartlands, Solihull and good hope are part of one trust and I've delivered both of my kids here via c section but experience hasn't been great and they don't provide 100% care as they should and you always here Bham women's is better, unfortunately due to convenience for my 3rd child I have chosen this again but I am having 2nd thoughts as I know what goes on here, try and avoid if you can otherwise leave it to God and go with the flow...

Absolutely appalled at how I was left alone in my own blood straight after the birth of my baby without me or the baby being checked over for three hours as I happened to give birth at swap over which was inconvenient for the midwives!

I had my 2 children there last one 10mth ago I had c sec and was admitted in aspen ward the staff there was lovely and caring. They could do more food choice because they fall short of halal foods. Overall very delighted with my experience. Defo recommend to others

I had my son here in February 2011 where my pregnancy was put high risk due to son opening his bowels. They monitored us closely and because I had a student midwife present i was never left alone which really helped especially with a first child, after i was sent to cedar ward where everything was clean and tidy, no issues was well taken care of.

My daughter was also born here in August 2012 which wasnt such a pleasant experience. The labour stopped progressing and i was sent home twice, i refused to leave the 3rd time as the was absolutely no break in the contractions. I was left in a ward alone with the emergency cord too far away for me to reach so i resulted to screaming until she came back where she basically told me to stop being stupid and that the baby wasnt coming, she checked me and i was 8cm and she had to rush me back down to labour ward, she wouldnt help me onto the bed no matter how much i begged for help as my husband had been sent home, they said baby wasnt coming that night.

After she left the other midwife was brilliant she managed to deliver my daughter with no tears and only 2 stitches needed which was a relief after 2nd degree tears with my son.

Maple ward was clean and the staff were brilliant, the hospital its self is good, its certain staff that make it a negative experience

I had my son at Heartlands April 2012 by elective c section, I cannot fault the care I received from all the midwives on Aspen ward. I notice some comments regarding the state of the toilets ! This is down to the patients leaving them in that state ! No excuses for leaving blood on the seat etc ! The midwives here do a fantastic job and the way some of the patients speak to them is awful, visiting times are restricting but apart from that no complaints. I'm due to have my next baby here in April and wouldn't consider going anywhere else.

I would avoid this place. I went in with complications at 34 weeks. The nurse who did my drip dropped the cap and blood splattered everywhere. Was cleaned up but not very thoroughly!

I was taken to the Aspen ward and had really horrible midwives. I was crying and one barked at me, 'What are you crying for?!' The same midwife also shouted at me when my drip stopped working.

The room I was put into was filthy. It still had someone elses dirty, bloody swab on the cupboard and chocolates scattered under the bed!

Throughout the night I went to the toilet a few times. They were awful. Some with blood on the seats or full of blood in the bowl un-flushed.

The next day I waited 7 hours to be discharged, even though I'd been told I was fine to go home that morning. During the day I asked for paracetamol and despite asking and asking was only given some after 3 hours! At lunch time I was told I couldn't have chicken because the chicken was halal and reserved for asians only. I told the woman that I didn't like the other options and she just shrugged at me. So I went without.

A week later I returned again with complications. I waited 3 hours in a waiting room before being put in the same assessment room where I had my drip put in the week before. My blood was still on the screen in the room!!

The only good thing about Heartlands were the student midwives. One was lovely. I am hoping I have no more complications so I don't have to return to this hospital.

I had my 1st 2 children at Good hope hospital(I am a young mum 21 so I got frowned upon)My 2nd was ( weeks premature so had to be transferred to heartlands. The care of the neonatal unit was fantastic they could always tell me when she had her nappy changed etc. She got transferred back to good hope and again the care their was poor. They missed her feeds all the time and made me stay in overnight to prove I could breastfeed. They were not supportive and wanted me to bottle feed. We decided to have our 3rd at heartlands. Unfortunately I was poorly when pregnant and had to go to good hope as it was nearer and once there they told me my baby had died and I would be going into theatre to have a scrape (they couldnt find his heartbeat with a doppler) I demanded a scan and after 6 hours i found out my baby was fine. We never went there again.Heartlands were attentive and there was not a moment where I was left alone or had to call staff, there was always someone around to assist me going to the loo etc. My birth was a VBAC and they actively encouraged my wanting of a vaginal delivery which was fantastic. I cannot praise the staff highly enough. When I was moved to the Aspen ward, They were fantastic there also. I wasn't hassled and was left to sleep with my baby in the bed(i know you shouldn't but I was paranoid someone would steal him!)I was allowed out the next day and didn't have to wait too long to be discharged. I would recommend anyone to go to heartlands to have their baby.

I had severe pre-eclampsia and ended up in hospital for a month. I was in Heartlands for majority of it (I was in another hospital before this). My daughter was born prematurely as they ended up having to give me a c-section at 30 weeks, and she spent 9 weeks and 4 days in neonatal. I couldn't thank them enough in the ward, delivery suite or in neonatal. They have saved mine and my daughter's life, and they are like a part of my family!

I would definetely recommend them. Yeah they're a bit understaffed on the ward, but if you need something just ask! xx

I had my first child in the Willow Suite at Heartlands in April 2011. I found it to be a relaxing place (when I was having a break from the contractions!) I found it a little understaffed and I had to hunt for a midwife after I'd been there an hour for some pain relief - which she did not want to give me so I was told to have a bath instead. However once another midwife realised I was actually in established labour she got me into the birthing pool and I was not left alone at all - there was always at least one midwife with me but two for the actual birth which I found very reassuring. I did have to wait ages for my tea and toast (sounds silly but I'd been in labour over 28 hours, had my baby at 5.37am and didn't get fed until 8.40am so was starving :( but I understand the midwives were busy and changing shifts!) I was transferred to Aspen ward and after asking to be discharged early although they didn't want me to as it was my first they allowed me to return home and I was in my own bed for the night which was nice. I will be having my second baby in June 2013 and have opted to have it in the Willow Suite again. I would have gone to Solihull but I feel better at Heartlands knowing that there are doctors on hand should anything go wrong which there isn't at Solihull.

i had all 4 of my children at heartlands hospital i had the best care i could of asked for and with 2 of my children i had student midwives that delivered my babies to make them there 40th to qualify they stayed with me the whole time i was there and visited me on the ward the day after before coming home i felt very comfortable there i would never go anywhere else as being a young mum im 24 my eldest is 6 my youngest is nearly 1 i always think people judge me and treat me differently but that was never the case at heartlands

I had my son at Heartlands in August. The care I received on the labour ward was second to none. I did hear though that they had to close the labour ward shortly afterwrads as they were full to capacity which leads me to my next point. You can tell that the staff are doing their absolute best but there are not enough of them. Overnight, there were 2 midwives running the whole Aspen ward and when they went for their breaks, only one was left to cover. If there had been an emergency I dread to think what would have happened. I think the NHS trust need to allow more women to have their babies at Solihull (I was classed as high risk just for taking a very common medication) or double the staff at Heartlands before there is a tragedy.

At 35 weeks pregnant I went into labour unexpectedly at work. I was very frightened and did not know what to expect but upon arrival at Heartlands Hospital I put at my ease straight away and the midwives were brilliant and did not make me feel stupid. Unfortunately after 22 hours of labour the baby became distressed Iand I had to have an emergency caesarean. After my daughter was born I unfortunately developed a haematoma and had to have injections into my stomach and a whole host of other medication. I became very tearful one night whilst in hospital as I wasn't well my iron levels were low and my daughter wasn't feeding properly. One of the midwives who was rushed off her feet took time to sit with me and talk to me even though she was running round all night. I can honestly I did not have a bad experience at all my only criticism would be that the wards are understaffed and the midwives are often left doing the role of 2 or 3 members of staff. I know on the day that I was discharged that alot of mums were waiting to go home, or waiting for medication and were very annoyed that everything was delayed. If I have another baby I can only hope that I will be at Heartlands Hospital again.

I had my first 2 at solihul, but because i did not fit criteria had to have my 3rd at heartlands, i was quite upset due to all the things i have read regarding this hospital.I went in to the hospital in labour and was seen to right away and the midwife was very nice, i was then passed to another midwife who was just as nice, got to say the delivery was very good, midwife very nice... My problems started when i asked for a 6 hour dischanrge which is what i had with BOTH my older 2 with no problem at solihul, i was told it wouldnt be a problem as i had given birth at 6:18am, was then took to the ward where we waited from 8am till 3pm, was told we would be seen between 3pm and 5pm by a doctor so i can take my baby home, by 6pm my partner went and asked if we can get a doctor to discharge the baby, was told it will be today but unsure of time, 8pm came and they made my partner leave, i have a fear of hospitals and get quite upset when i feel alone, i sat and cried the whole time i was alone there, even though this was in my notes.At 9:30pm i begged that they try so i can still leave today, the doctor did come up and i was home at about 12:30am a very long upsetting day!I just felt once i had given birth i wasnt being listened to, it was my right to ask for a 6 hour discharge so long as all was well, yet it took much longer with no communication or explanation..Maybe they were busy? i dont know but it over shadowed what should have been a very happy day..

Having three children in solihull with a great experience i was really weary of having my 4th now in Hearthlands and then after reading the reviews was even more worried.I have Group B strep and so had to go to heartlands, was worried about how it would be as they would be so busy with many patients.However i went and the midwives were lovely, unfortunatly i had to have a Emergny C-Section as my baby turned out to be breech.They were great and attentive and once i was up to the ward i had brilliant midwives i was there for 5 days and my midwives took care of me and my baby brilliantly.I was very pleases.Yes the showers werent clean, neither the toilet, which really should be taken into account of due to the germs etc, but this needs to be addressed to the people who deal with it. But the midwives fullfilled their jobs for me.

I had my first son at Heartlands in December 2008 . After 36 hrs in labour I had an emergency c section and picked up a major infection in the wound which meant I was in hospital for 2 weeks and needed treating by the Tissue Viability Unit from Selly Oak. I attribute the infection to the terrible state of cleanliness at the hospital. The debris in the showers was disgusting, blood on the seat and built up blood and dirt behind the doors. When I informed the nurses they said it was not their department and would refer to cleaning staff, but the dirt remained throughout my stay. To cap it all I found a used hyperdermic needle and syringe under my bed, which had been there for goodness knows how long while I was walking around in bare feet. I would never recommend this hospital to any expectant mother

I had no choice but to have my twin girls delivered at Heartlands. I was induced but ended up having an emergency section. This was my first pregnancy and having had a section you would have thought they would have helped me just a little with 2 babies. Thankfully another patient helped me out. I had a drain in which they kept saying they would take out - a day later it fell out! When I returned home I had an infection in my scar which only cleared up after 2 lots of very strong antibiotics.

I was restricted to 2 visitors at a time but the lady next to me had a large family surrounding her bed who's children kept running into my 'area'. My husband had to say something but no apology and nothing from the staff! She also left her dirty nappies all over the floor - I couldn't wait to come home.

Thankfully I had my next baby at Solihull and what a totally different experience

Hi, I was first and second time mum here at 39 and 42 - both elective sections. I received excellent treatment both times. I was keen to get moving asap each time which I think helped as several other - younger - new mums appeared not so keen to get up for their own reasons which clearly frustrated staff. The HCA's were also great and couldn't do enough to help. I was in for a week on both occasions. Second time - June 2009 - the ward was full half way through the week and staff said they could not take any more women which they found frustrating. They were so busy one night the staff on my ward had no break. I work in the public sector and I am aware that dealing with the public is not always easy - and at such an emotional time as child birth it is not good to have exhausted staff trying to support exhausted and apprehensive new mums. I can only say from my own experience I would recommend this unit - the care they provided for my baby girl was great too. If I was planning on having another I would go there without question - but I opted for sterilisation!!

ive got mixed feelings about this hospital i had my daughter there 3 years ago and the midwifes durin the birth were great it was the midwifes on my ward that i didnt like.the head one was so rude telling me only a certain amount of ppl were allowed to visit at certain times but the lady next to me had about 12 ppl visit her at one time and nothing was said!and then they missunderstood my files as my 1st daughter had menningitus when she was born but the hospital managed to get it into the files that she had died!!they wanted me to stay in but i wanted to go home asap.im pregnant with my 3rd now and ive been told that there sending women to diffrent hospitals because theres no room,well im sorry but im having my baby there i dont see y i shud have to go far away to have my baby when that hospital is my local hospital,if i go there and they try to turn me away i will be siting in the waiting room n staying there till they get me a room,even if it means having my baby there!

I gave birth to my son here. I went to hospital around 1am and had to wait for a bed for about 2 and a half hours, possibly longer. While waiting I asked for Gas & Air, the midwife was so rude towards me - I dont think she was happy that she was working a night shift or something like that. She disappeared for about half an hour to 45 minutes to get me a canister of gas and air (as i was in the WAITING ROOM), She finally appeared and after 4 or 5 puffs it had ran out!! I asked if she could get me another one in which she was being rude to me about, then she disappeared again for about an hour, so I was left to deal with the pain using a tens machine that I had brought from home. I am currently pregnant again and have booked myself in to give birth at Solihull Hospital. I refuse to go through what I went through with my first, again.

Hi i have a very differet story form the others. I was transferred to this hoital after being diagnosed with pre eclampsia at 33 weeks at solihull, which by the way were great and if it wasnt for the one midwive who rusd my test results through i wouldnt have found out so quickly. I was attending the day assesment unit every other day to be monitered and more or less i was kept in every weekend as my blood pressure and other symptoms were not good and one occasion my urine sample was mixed up with someone else and emergancy doctors were called to find out after being frightned that it was a mistake, as well as that i was being visited by community midwives when relesed who then sent me back in as my blood pressure was sky high so it was a never ending circle. I was very ill and suffered the blackouts and dizziness but still nothing was done and i was suffering my baby also had unusual hearbeats at the moniterings. In the end i was left until 39 weeks when i started labour naturaly.I was given pethidine after i couldnt take the pain and left to go to ssleep on the bed without the heart monitors on my stomach. I evetually gave birth in a induction room infront of cleaners and another couple and my whole family after being left to go the toilet on my own and finding the head was out. after being left a hour after giving birth my stiches were finally put in which was even worse than giving birth. Not a good experience form that hospital.

september 15th 2006 I had my baby boy by c section. Whilst in the recovery room the nurses were great constantly checking I was as comfortable as possible. My first afternoon/night on the main ward was also very good, I was looked after well and encouraged and surported to look after my baby. However I found the one person all day visting and an hour in the afternoon and another in the evening for relatives very hard especially with a 5 year old daughter and they were strict over this which I personally found upsetting, apart from that I came out with a healthy boy and a little sore.

Gave birth Dec 93, May 1997 and May 2004. My care for all of my 3 children was fantastic during and just after the birth. The birth of my 3rd son was going fantastic, until the baby doctor came round and discovered that he had a heart condition, he was transferred immediately to SCBU then a few hours later transferred to the childrens hospital. The care of my 3rd son was fantastic and couldnt fault the doctors nurses and midwifes.